Alberta is one of two provinces that have not signed an extension to the childcare agreement with Ottawa, saying families need more choice, fair funding, and income-based support.
The federal plan is set to deliver daycare nationwide by 2026, aiming to reduce childcare spending for families with children under 6 years old to $10 a day, which some operators have said is unrealistic. Alberta and Saskatchewan have yet to finalize a deal.
Announced in February, the Alberta government replaced its childcare subsidy program with a $15 a day fee for families with children up to kindergarten age, which would become $10 a day in 2026. A grant program was also implemented to help child-care providers expand and upgrade existing facilities.
Krystal Churcher, the chair of the Association of Canadia